High-density patch panel

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a high-density patch panel for use in a network incorporating high-density connections for increased efficiency, network operation and management. The high-density connections are incorporated into the patch panel, network switch, and cables that connects them, as well as into cable analyzers and printed circuit boards (PCBs) which allow for a complete network within a single computer running virtualization software.

PRIORITY CLAIM

In accordance with 37 C.F.R. § 1.76, a claim of priority is included inan Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, thepresent invention is a continuation and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/864,891 entitled “HIGH-DENSITY DATACOMMUNICATIONS CONNECTION ASSEMBLY filed Jan. 8, 2018 which is acontinuation-in-part and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 15/167,462 entitled “HIGH-DENSITY DATA COMMUNICATIONS CABLE”, filedMay 27, 2016, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,865,976 on Jan. 9, 2018,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/166,878, entitled “HIGH-DENSITY JACK NETWORK SYSTEM”, filed May 27,2015, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to network systems encompassingpatch panels, switches, patch cords, servers, cable testers, and printedcircuit boards (PCBs), more specifically, to a network system tofacilitate cable management functions, enhance space utilization, reducemanpower and time for testing network cables, and minimize reconnectionerrors and downtime when servicing a network by employing high-densityjack connections.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computer networking, recording studios, radio and television networksemploy elaborate systems for connecting and routing circuits formonitoring, interconnecting, and testing circuits in a convenient,flexible manner. These networks commonly include patch panels, networkswitches, network servers, and patch cords to connect them.

Patch panels, also known as patch bays, patch fields, or jack fields,are well-known in the field of data communication systems. Patch panelsare used commonly in computer networking, recording studios, radio andtelevision for connecting and routing circuits for monitoring,interconnecting, and testing circuits in a convenient, flexible manner.

A patch panel generally provides a plurality of network portsincorporated into a single structural element that connects incoming andoutgoing lines of a local area network (LAN) or other communication,electronic or electrical systems. Patch panels are usually housed withina telecommunications closet or in an alternate location appropriate forpatching cables, such as the server room in an office. Typical patchpanels are mounted hardware units that include a plurality of portlocations, commonly twenty-four or forty-eight, which function like astatic switchboard, using cables to interconnect the computersassociated with the LAN and/or to connect computers to an outsidenetwork, e.g., for connecting to the Internet or other network.

In its most basic sense, a patch panel helps organize the plurality ofcables that are to be connected to the LAN, Internet, or other network,by acting as a coupler and creating a fixed point for the cables fromremote network devices/stations to come back to and terminate on. Usingpatch cables connected to the local network switch, network access canbe extended to the remote network devices/stations by being plugged intothe various ports of the patch panel(s). This increases efficiency ofoperation, increases security for the network, and management of thesystem.

A network switch port, or switch port, is connected to a patch panelport by using a patch cable, or a plurality of patch cables whenconnecting multiple ports. The network switch is where the signals toand from the remote network devices are connected to the rest of thenetwork.

Patch panels and switches are routinely mounted in what is known as anequipment rack, which permit multiple patch panels and network switchesto be organized in a vertical manner. The rack configuration permitswires or cables, e.g., twisted pair cables, coming from remote networkstations to be wired to insulation-displacement connectors (IDCs)positioned on the back face of the patch panel, and couples those wiresor cables to ports on the front face of the patch panel. This allows theincoming wires or cables to be organized by the ports of a patch panelso that a network administrator can connect specific remote networkstations to a network switch using patch cables. Typical patch panelsare substantially planar, extending backward on a horizontal plane onone level of the rack. Wires or cables incoming from remote networkstations located throughout a building are routed to IDCs at the rear ofthe patch panel and wired to the patch panel. Patch cables are thenrouted to the corresponding jack or port on the front face of the patchpanel, and then routed to the network switch, thus connecting the remotenetwork station device to the LAN, Internet, or other network.

Because there will need to be at least one patch cord for every remotenetwork device that needs to connect to the LAN, Internet, or othernetwork, the number of patch cables needed for a medium to large officecan be in the hundreds, or more. For cable management purposes,elaborate vertical and horizontal cable management trays are often used.Horizontal wire management is used to keep the front of the rack lookingclean. Horizontal wire management trays connect to the rack in the samemanner a patch panel or switch is attached. They usually are position inthe rack between the patch panels and the switches. Cables are oftenrouted between a network switch and patch panel via a horizontal wiremanagement tray. Some racks will have multiple patch panels and switchesand require vertical wire management trays in addition or in place ofhorizontal management trays. Vertical wire management trays areconnected to the sides of a rack. Tracing patch cables from the patchpanel to the network switch, however, can be a time consuming anddifficult process. Sometimes it becomes necessary to replace networkswitching equipment when upgrading to stay current with industry trendsor when hardware failure occurs. When this takes place all patch cableson the switch need to be removed. In many cases, special portconfigurations are in place on the switch specific to the remote networkdevice connected to it. This adds an extra level of complexity and timeconstraint when replacing switches and requires that each patch cable betagged and labeled so that it can be reconnected to the same port and beprovisioned with the same applicable settings. The challenge of tracingpatch cables, tagging them and removing them from the switch adds timeand decreases efficiency of the process when removing a network switchThe challenge of identifying and locating tagged patch cables from theprevious step and reconnecting them to a replacement switch can be verytime consuming and an opportunity for reconnection errors to occur. Manytimes network administrators are under a time constraint to get thenetwork back online resulting in patch cables getting quickly re-patchedto the switch with no regard for neatness or future manageability of therack. This results in patch cables being intertwisted together andharder to separate or trace out ultimately causing additional downtimedown the road with future switch upgrades or when future hardwarefailure occurs. Additionally, a planned network outage may be scheduledafterhours where the network administrator has sufficient time tocorrect the cabling mess and properly re-patch everything in a clean andprofessional manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,909 discloses an Angled Patch Panel Assembly. Theangled patch panel is configured to be mounted to a rack or console, andit facilitates cable management functions and enhances space utilizationat and around the rack/patch panel assembly. The assembly includes firstand second patch panel elements that are angularly oriented with respectto each other. The transition from the first element to the second patchpanel element being generally achieved in an apex region. The angledpatch panel also includes flange members that extend from the first andsecond patch panel elements. Each of the flange members defines amounting face and an extension arm that is intermediate to the mountingface and the patch panel element. The extension arm being dimensioned tofacilitate at least partial recessing of the angled patch panel relativeto the rack/console when the angled patch panel is mounted thereto.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,218,828 discloses an Optical Fiber Power Splitter ModuleApparatus which include at least one input port, one or more multi-fiberoutput ports, and an optical fiber-splitter device coupled therebetween.The optical splitter device has a first end configured as at least onesingle optical fiber, and a second end configured as one or moremulti-fiber groups. The first end of the splitter device is coupled tothe input port and the second end of the splitter device is coupled tothe output ports. The first end of the splitter device is, e.g., an LCconnector. The second end of the splitter device is, e.g., one or moreMulti-fiber Push On (MPO) connectors. The optical splitter device is,e.g., a 1×N planar lightwave circuit (PLC) splitter, such as a 1×32 PLCsplitter with an LC input connector and four 8-fiber MPO outputconnectors.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,155,012 discloses a System and Method for Adapting aPiece of Terminal Equipment. In accordance with the teachings of thatinvention, a communicating system is provided for generating andmonitoring data over pre-existing conductors between associated piecesof networked computer equipment. The system includes a communicationdevice attached to the electronic equipment that transmits informationto a central module by impressing a low frequency signal on thepre-existing data lines of the remotely located equipment. A receiver inthe central module monitors the low frequency data on the data lines todetermine the transmitted information of the electronic equipment. Thecommunication device may also be powered by a low current power signalfrom the central module. The power signal to the communication devicemay also be fluctuated to provide useful information, such as statusinformation, to the communication device. Relocation of the electronicequipment with attached communication device to another location on thenetwork is detected immediately and may be used to update a database.The invention is particularly adapted to be used with an existingEthernet communications link or equivalent.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,157,582 discloses a Telecommunications Patch Panel,including a patch panel frame having a front face, the front face havinga series of openings therein for receiving telecommunications plugs. Thepatch panel frame includes a tray extending rearward from a bottomportion of the front face, and a plurality of multiport bezels aremounted to the patch panel, each having a plurality of cavities, andeach cavity aligned with one of the openings in the front face.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,902,760 discloses a Network and System and OptionalTethers. Disclosed is a BaseT Ethernet system having a piece of centralnetwork equipment, a piece of BaseT Ethernet terminal equipment, anddata signaling pairs of conductors having first and second pairs used tocarry BaseT Ethernet communication signals between the piece of centralnetwork equipment and the piece of BaseT Ethernet terminal equipment.The first and second pairs physically connect between the piece of BaseTEthernet terminal equipment and the piece of central network equipment.The piece of central network equipment has at least one DC supply. Thepiece of BaseT Ethernet terminal equipment has at least one path to drawdifferent magnitudes of current from the DC supply through a loop formedover at least one of the conductors of the first pair and at least oneof the conductors of the second pair. The piece of central networkequipment to detect at least two different magnitudes of the currentflow through the loop.

U.S. Publication No. 2001/0053627 discloses a Single-Port Connection andCircuitry Accepting both Balanced and Unbalanced Data Signals. Disclosedis a circuit and method for connecting data lines to a digitalcommunication system. The circuit allows either a balanced data line oran unbalanced data line to be connected to a single input port with nointernal reconfiguration of the system. Connection to a balanced dataline isolation transformer is provided at the port. A separateconnection to ground is provided at the same port. A user connects thesystem to a balanced data line using a jack wired for connecting thebalanced data line pair across the isolation transformer. A userconnects the system to an unbalanced data line using a similar jack;however, the jack in that case is wired to short one transformerconnection to the ground connection provided at the port, therebyunbalancing the transformer. In one embodiment, this second jack is partof a patch cable which accepts a coaxial connector on one end,appropriately wired to the shorted jack on the second end.

U.S. Publication No. 2007/0049127 discloses Patch Field Documentationand Revision Systems. Disclosed is a communication device andcorresponding patch field system. The device includes a port module,ports, and an appliqué attached to a face of the port module. Theapplique includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with conductive pads. Apatch cord connects the device with an intelligent patch panel. Thepatch cord contains at least one system wire. The patch panel is adaptedto measure a resistance associated with each port via the system wire.An open circuit indicates that no patch cord is attached to the port, aresistance within a first range indicates that the patch cord isattached only to the port of the intelligent patch panel, and aresistance within a second range less than the first range indicatesthat the patch cord connects the intelligent patch panel and the device.

Despite these prior efforts, there remains a need for improved patchpanel and switch design which can facilitate cable management functions,minimizing excess cable bundles that must be stuffed into the sides ofthe rack, and incorporate high density patch cables to enhance spaceutilization and network administrator efficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Although wireless technologies can reduce the cable clutter hiddenbehind many desks, server rooms remain a haven for power cords, patchcords, network cables, and peripheral wiring. Unfortunately, many serverrooms are built with little or no regard for cable organization, whichcan quickly escalate out of control into a cabling nightmare that cantake far too long and consume too many resources to organize.

Unmanaged patch cables not only look unsightly, but they become highlysusceptible to becoming twisted and crushed, both of which can preventdata signals from being properly transmitted. Tangled network cables canalso make troubleshooting and maintenance tasks a nightmare. Becausepatch cables can be extremely difficult to identify and isolate,searching for the right cable to fix a problem can greatly increase thedowntime to fix the problem.

Sometimes these problems arise because getting a server room up andrunning requires a massive rush; sometimes it's just carelessmanagement, sometimes the mess builds over time getting slightly worsewith each alteration until it's too late. Sometimes a network installerrushes through a job because they will not be the person managing theserver room once set up, and therefore they aren't considering orpreparing for the efficiency of later work. Disorganization can alsohappen during routine adds, moves, and changes, as cables need to bere-routed, or when adding new employees or additional network devices toa network. No matter how it happens, a tangled mess of network cablescan become a problem requiring many hours and a lot of patience to goback and fix; during which time the network, and productivity, will bedown.

The present invention is directed to a network system incorporating anovel high density jack (HD jack), high density cable (HD cable), andswitching equipment and patch panels to accommodate the HD jacks, makingthem high density switches (HD switches) and high density patch panels(HD patch panels). This system can greatly reduce the complexity andclutter which can occur with a traditional network.

In the present disclosure, twisted pair cables are still employed toconnect remote network stations to the server room, and can still bedirectly wired into the back of the patch panel. However, instead of thetraditional 1-to-1 correspondence between the wired connections at theback of the patch panel and standard 8 pin RJ45 jacks at the front, allof the wired connections at the back are routed to two HD jacks on a 48port patch panel. Each conductor of the twisted pair cable connects to apin in a designated group in the HD jack, so that each cable connectionhas its own designated path. An HD plug can then connect the HD jack onthe patch panel to an HD jack on the network switch.

Two different types of HD cables are disclosed which can be employed,based on the application, to connect devices equipped with HD jacks toother devices equipped with HD jacks or to connect devices equipped withHD jacks to devices equipped with standard 8 pin RJ45 jacks. The firsttype is an un-split cable that is used to connect two devices equippedwith HD jacks. With this type of HD cable, each hole on the HD jackconnects via a pin on the HD cable's plug. The HD cable acts as a singlecable coupler between two HD jacks. The second type of HD cable splitsthe cable from the HD jack into 24 constituent cables, so that each pingroup from the HD jack corresponds to an individual 8 conductor twistedpair cable. These individual cables each have an 8 pin male connectorend. If the network has an HD patch panel installed but has not yetincorporated an HD switch, these cables can connect the regular RJ-45type input jacks on the front of the non-HD switch to the HD jack on theHD patch panel. In the same manner, if the network has an HD switch buthas not yet incorporate an HD patch panel, these split cables canconnect the regular RJ-45 type input jacks on the front of the non HDpatch panel to the HD jack on the HD switch.

Furthermore, if a network has a device equipped with an HD jack andneeds to be able to accommodate standard RJ45 connections but wishes touse a non-split HD cable, an HD port converter can be used with. An HDport converter takes an HD jack and breaks it out into 24 or 48 sets ofRJ45 jacks as illustrated in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to provide anetwork cable setup which takes less time to install and connect stationcables.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a setupwhich requires fewer patch cables between the patch panel and theswitch.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a setupwhich can reduce the need for elaborate cable management techniques.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a setupwith a cleaner and more organized appearance.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a setupwhich is easier to maintain than the network stations of the prior art.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a setupthat requires less downtime when swapping out a defective switch orupgrading to a newer switch.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to provide a setupwhich eliminates the need to label every patch cable going betweenswitch and patch panel.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to provide a setupwhich can reduce the use of excess cables taught in the prior art.

It is a still further objective of the instant invention to eliminatethe possibility of accidental failure of the 8 PINs in a given switchport or patch panel port that may become damaged or dislocated with theremoval of a patch cable. This can occur because the current 8 PINs in agiven jack are spring loaded and move in and out when a patch cable isinserted and removed, and thus can come off their track and get damaged,ruining a switch port or patch panel port.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in conjunction with any accompanyingdrawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example,certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained hereinconstitute a part of this specification and include exemplaryembodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects andfeatures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a transparent view of a 24-port HD patch panel.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a 24-port HD patch panel.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a 192-pin Jack.

FIG. 4 is a transparent view of a patch panel.

FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing of the jack pin layout of the 24-port HDpatch panel.

FIG. 6 is a close-up view of the 8 conductor configuration on the backof the HD patch panel.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a 48-port HD patch panel.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a 48-port HD patch panel.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a24-port HD patch panel with status indicator lights (HD Port Converter).

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a48-port HD patch panel with status indicator lights (HD Port Converter).

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a24-port HD patch panel with indicator lights.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a48-port HD patch panel with indicator lights.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a 24-port HD switch.

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a 24-port HD switch.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a 48-port HD switch.

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of a 48-port HD switch.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a 240-port HD switch.

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of a 240-port HD switch.

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of a rack containing 1 240-port HDswitch and HD patch panel setup.

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of a 240-port HD switch withremovable switch modules.

FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of a 480-port HD switch.

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of a 960-port HD switch.

FIG. 23 is perspective view of a computer board with a HD jackconnection.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a set of an HD cable analyzer.

FIG. 25 is front perspective view of a HD cable head.

FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of a HD cable.

FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of an HD split cable with standardmale 8 pin connectors.

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of an HD split cable with standardmale 8 pin connectors.

FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a24-port HD patch panel (HD Port Converter).

FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a48-port HD patch panel (HD Port Converter).

FIG. 31 is alternate embodiment of a wiring schematic demonstrating 8spare conductors which can be used for optional accessories such asstatus indicator lights.

FIG. 32 is an alternate embodiment front perspective view of an HDcable.

FIG. 33 is an alternate embodiment front perspective view of an HD splitcable with standard male 8 pin connectors.

FIG. 34 is an alternate embodiment front perspective view of a 24 portHD patch panel equipped with (4) modular 2 pin jacks.

FIG. 35 is an alternate embodiment front perspective view of a 48 portHD patch panel equipped with (8) modular 2 pin jacks.

FIG. 36 is an alternate embodiment front perspective view of a 24 portpatch panel with (4) modular 2 pin jacks (HD Port Converter).

FIG. 37 is an alternate embodiment front perspective view of a 48 portpatch panel with (8) modular 2 pin jacks (HD Port Converter).

FIG. 38 is an alternate embodiment of a wiring schematic demonstratingthe pin layout for an HD jack that encompasses (24) twisted pair cableconnections and (4) sets of 2 pin connections.

FIG. 39 is an alternate embodiment rear perspective view of a switchdemonstrating FXO/FXS accessory cards occupying the optional accessoryslots.

FIG. 40 is an alternate embodiment of a wiring schematic of an HD jackon a switch demonstrating (4) sets of 2 wire connections directly wiredto the rear of the switch for interfacing with optional FXO/FXSaccessory cards.

FIG. 41 is a 200 Jack Pin pinout illustration.

FIG. 42 is an 8 pin punch down block illustration.

FIG. 43 is a 200 Jack Pin layout with an illustrated pin group and punchdown block illustration.

FIG. 44 is a transparent view of a patch panel.

FIG. 45 is a transparent view of a patch panel.

FIG. 46 is a patch panel 24 port convertor and 192 pins illustrationwith LED indicators.

FIG. 47 is a patch panel illustration with 48 port convertorillustration with LED indicators.

FIG. 48 is a transparent view of a switch.

FIG. 49 is a transparent view of a switch.

FIG. 50 is a view of the front face of a removable HD switch blade with1 HD jack with LED indicators.

FIG. 51 is a high density switch illustration with 2 HD jacks, each ofwhich is on a removable HD switch blade.

FIG. 52 is a high density switch illustration with 4 HD jacks, each ofwhich is on a removable HD switch blade.

FIG. 53 is a transparent view of a high density switch.

FIG. 54 is a high density switch illustration with 10 slots for use with10 removable HD switch blades.

FIG. 55 is a high density switch illustration with 20 slots for use with20 removable HD switch blades.

FIG. 56 is a high density switch illustration with 40 slots for use with40 removable HD switch blades.

FIG. 57 is a high density patch panel color pin illustration with 200pins.

FIG. 58 is an illustration of a cable analyzer equipped with a HD jackinterface.

FIG. 59 is a transparent view of an illustration of a high density jackwith a spring a securing bracket.

FIG. 60 is a transparent view of an illustration of a high density jackwith spring loaded clamps.

FIG. 61 is a transparent view of an illustration of a high density jackwith Velcro strap attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in variousforms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be describeda presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered anexemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limitthe invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

Referring to the figures in general, disclosed is a system for ahigh-density (HD) network system, including cable connections, to manageand organize a computer or telecommunications network for greaterefficiency. The system includes an HD patch panel (10, 30), an HD cable(110), and an HD switch (60, 80, 96, 104, 106) which is used to connectremote computer terminals to a local area network (LAN), internet, orother network. It also includes an HD cable analyzer (130) and an HD PCB(Printed Circuit Board) (108) enabling a computer to also serve as anetwork switch.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, disclosed is a 24-port HD patch panel (10)illustrating an HD jack (20) which is positioned on the front of thepatch panel and 24 connection groups (22), each configured to connect toa traditional network cable, containing 8 copper wires positioned on therear of the patch panel.

Brackets (12) allow attachment to a rack. The HD jack (20) allowscoupling to a network, securing brackets (14) are used to secure a plugto the HD Jack. FIG. 5 depicts the electrical coupling of the pin groupto the 8 pin punchdown block, the punchdown block further illustrated inFIG. 6. A traditional network cable contains 8 copper wires, color codedby the wire casing. FIG. 6 shows where each copper wire connects to thepin group (22) based on the color.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 31 provide a technical schematic disclosing theelectrical configuration and relationship between the connection groups(22) on the rear face (18) of the HD patch panel (10), and the pinconfiguration in the HD jack (20) on the front face (16) of the HD patchpanel (10).

FIGS. 7 and 8 show an alternate HD patch panel (30) with 48 ports. Onthe front face (34) of the 48-port HD patch panel (30) there is a firstHD jack (38) and a second HD jack (40) as well as brackets (32) toattach the patch panel (30) to a network rack. On the rear face (36)there are 48 connection groups (22), where a first set of 24 cableconnection groups corresponds to the first HD jack (38), and a secondset of 24 cable connection groups corresponds to the second HD jack (40)(shown in FIG. 7), using the same connection schematic as diagramed inFIGS. 5 & 31.

In FIGS. 9, 10, 29 and 30, alternate input HD patch panels are shown. InFIG. 9 and FIG. 29, an alternate input 24-port standard connection,24-port HD connection patch panel is shown (50). The front face (52) hasan HD jack (20) and 24 standard 8 pin jack connections (54) instead ofthe hard wired configuration on the back of the panel. In FIGS. 10 and30, the alternate input HD patch panel (58) is shown with two HD jacks(20), and two sets of 24 standard 8 pin jack connections (54). Eachalternate input HD patch panel (50, 58) attaches to an equipment rackwith brackets (56, 57). Additionally, indicator lights (48) are shown inFIG. 9 and FIG. 10 to indicate network activity for each mainconnection, allowing a network administrator to quickly identify anyconnectivity problems. Furthermore, securing brackets (14) are shown inFIG. 29 and FIG. 30

In FIGS. 11 and 12, alternate embodiments of the 24-port (57) and48-port (59) HD patch panels are shown. With these embodiments, thefront faces (53, 65) employ indicator lights (48) to alert a networkadministrator to activity of the connections in the HD jacks (20).

FIGS. 13-22 disclose different embodiments of HD switches. In FIG. 13,an HD switch (60) is disclosed, with a single HD jack (20) accommodatingup to 24 twisted pair network ports. The front face (64) has an HD jack(20) input as well as two high throughput uplink ports (68).Additionally, there are indicator lights (70) which indicate activityeach connection. Each individual connection contained within the HD jackis represented in the row of lights (70) on the front face (64), andeach of the uplink ports (68) have indicator lights (48) next to them,showing activity in those ports. The HD switch (60) also containsbrackets (72) to connect the switch (60) to an equipment rack, as wellas securing brackets (14). On the rear face (74) of the switch (60),shown in FIG. 14, is a power input (76) and two accessory panels (78).

An alternate HD switch (80) having two HD jacks, accommodating up to 48UTP network ports is disclosed in FIG. 15. On the front face (82) thereare two HD jacks (20), as well as two sets of high throughput uplinkports (68). Also shown are indicator lights (70) arranged to correspondwith each connection, either through the HD jacks (20) or the highthroughput uplink ports (68). Brackets (72) are used to connect theswitch (80) to the equipment rack. On the rear face (94), shown in FIG.16, there is a power input (76), and a pair of accessory panels (78).

FIG. 17 shows a 240-port HD switch (96), arranged with 10 HD jack inputs(20) on the front face (100), which can attach to an equipment rack withbrackets (102). In FIG. 18, on the rear there are two power inputs (76),as well as ventilation panels (104) to prevent overheating as well asaccessory panels (78). In FIG. 19, a 240-port HD switch (96) isconnected to a rack (106), with a series of HD patch panels (10) aboveand below. In FIG. 20, the 240-port HD switch (96) is shown withremovable HD switch blades (98). Each of the removable blades (98) has a24-port HD jack (20), and contains network activity indicator lights(70). In FIG. 21, the idea is further expanded to include a 480-port HDswitch (104). FIG. 22 shows a 960-port HD switch (106). The 240-port,480-port, and 960-port HD switch also incorporate removable blades (98)for each 24-port HD jack, with indicator lights (70) for each dataconnection line within each 24-port HD jack (20).

FIG. 23 shows a printed circuit board (PCB) (108) containing an HD jack(20). These HD PCBs can be added to a computer/server enabling networkadministrators the ability to make their own network switches.Additionally, with the widespread use of virtualization software, onecan truly deploy an “Office in a Box” solution by adding HD PCBs to aphysical server running virtual applications, one of which would bevirtualized network switching software. Using the HD PCB (108) allowsfor smaller networks to deploy and manage less network equipment andless cabling. This reduces the amount of hardware needed, installationtime, space, energy, and cost.

FIG. 24 shows how cable analyzers (130) can incorporate the HD jack(20). Here, by plugging the first cable analyzer (132) into the HD jack(20) on the HD patch panel (10,30) a user can go check each of the 24remote network station connections extending from the HD patch panel byattaching the second cable analyzer (134) at the remote location. Thesecond cable analyzer (134) has a standard network connection port(RJ45) (136) so that it can attach to the network cable at the remotenetwork station to test the cable connection. A network administratorcan also perform the same operation when testing a traditional 24 portnon-HD patch panel by connecting an HD split cable (FIGS. 27, 28, and33) (110) to a legacy patch panel.

FIG. 25 shows the HD plug (112) with an HD pin configuration (114) andsurrounding wall (116), which corresponds with an HD jack. The pinconfiguration (114) shows a copper wire connection for each connection,in groups of 8, corresponding to the configuration laid out in theschematic in FIG. 5 and FIG. 31. The copper wire connections are thengrouped together and insulated within the HD cable (110). In FIG. 26 andFIG. 32, an HD cable (110) is shown with an HD plug (112) on each end,so that it can connect a device equipped with an HD jack to anotherdevice equipped with an HD jack.

In FIGS. 27, 28, and 33 different HD split cables are shown. The HDsplit cable (120) shown in FIG. 27, splits the copper wires from the HDcable head (112) into the 24 groupings of traditional UTP cords (124).There are 8 pin male connectors (124) on these ends which can beinserted into standard network RJ45 jacks. In this way, a networkadministrator can upgrade either to an HD patch panel or an HD switch,and be able to connect with a non-HD switch or non-HD patch panel,respectively. FIG. 33 shows the HD split cable (120) from FIG. 27 withan alternate configuration between the HD cable (110) and the HD cablehead (112)

FIG. 34 shows an alternate 24-port patch panel (130) equipped with an HDjack (20) on the front face (132) along with 4 sets of 2 pin jacks(134). These 4 sets of 2 pin jacks are wired to the HD Jack (20) to theunused 8 conductors. These 4 sets of 2 pin jacks (134) on the front face(132) of the HD patch panel (130) allow an administrator to patch analogdevices in and extend them across the network using an HD switchequipped with FXO/FXS cards installed in the accessory slots (174) asillustrated in FIG. 39. FIG. 35 shows an alternate 48-port patch panel(140) equipped with two HD jacks (20) on the front face (142) along with8 sets of 2 pin jacks (134).

FIG. 36 is an alternate 24-port HD port converter (150) thatincorporates 4 sets of 2 pin jacks (134). FIG. 37 is an alternate48-port HD port converter (160) that incorporates 8 sets of 2 pin jacks(134).

FIG. 38 is a wiring schematic demonstrating how the 2 pin jacks (134) onthe front face of FIG. 34-37 are wired directly to the HD jack (20).

FIG. 39 illustrates a switch (170) where the front face is equipped withan HD jack that is connected to a patch panel, as illustrated in FIG.34-37, where 2 pin analog connections (134) get directly wired to theexpansion slots (174) on the rear face (172) of the network switch.These expansion slots (174) in FIG. 39 are equipped with FXO/FXS cardsthat allow the network administrator to send/receive analog signals viathe network without having to employee the use of an external FXO/FXSgateway or have additional wiring to contend with in the rack.

FIG. 40 illustrates the reverse of FIG. 38 demonstrating how the sets of2 pin connections (134) noted above are connected to the expansion slotson the back of the switch.

FIG. 40 is an alternate embodiment of a wiring schematic of an HD jackon a switch demonstrating (4) sets of 2 wire connections directly wiredto the rear of the switch for interfacing with optional FXO/FXSaccessory cards.

FIG. 41 is a 200 Jack Pin pinout illustration.

FIG. 42 is an 8 pin punch down block illustration.

FIG. 43 is a 200 Jack Pin layout with an illustrated pin group and punchdown block illustration.

FIG. 44 is a transparent view of a patch panel.

FIG. 45 is a transparent view of a patch panel.

FIG. 46 is a patch panel 24 port convertor and 192 pins illustrationwith LED indicators.

FIG. 47 is a patch panel illustration with 48 port convertorillustration with LED indicators.

FIG. 48 is a transparent view of a switch.

FIG. 49 is a transparent view of a switch.

FIG. 50 is a view of the front face of a removable HD switch blade (98)with 1 HD jack and LED indicators.

FIG. 51 is a switch with 2 removeable HD switch blades (98).

FIG. 52 is a switch with 4 removable HD switch blades (98).

FIG. 53 is a transparent view of a high density switch.

FIG. 54 is a view of a switch with 10 removable HD switch blades (98).

FIG. 55 is a view of a switch with 20 removable HD switch blades (98)

FIG. 56 is a view of a switch with 40 removable HD switch blades (98).

FIG. 59 is a view of a patch panel with a securing bracket used to holdHD plug (112) securely to HD jack (20)

FIG. 60 illustrates an HD Jack (20) equipped with a spring loadedlocking mechanism allowing an HD plug (112) to lock into place wheninserted into an HD jack (20)

FIG. 61 illustrates an HD jack (20) equipped with securing posts (14)that would be used with velcro straps to secure and HD plug (112) to anHD jack (20)

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification areindicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which theinvention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporatedby reference to the same extent as if each individual publication wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention isillustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangementherein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in theart that various changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to whatis shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figuresincluded herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain theends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Theembodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein arepresently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended tobe exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changestherein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which areencompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by thescope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been describedin connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should beunderstood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited tosuch specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of thedescribed modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious tothose skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A high density (HD) data communicationsconnection assembly comprising: a first frame member having a HDconnector jack containing 192 conductors; a second frame member having aHD plug end containing 192 conductors formed from twenty four pin groupswith each pin group having eight pins; and a jack cable having 192conductors extending between said HD plug end having a plurality of 8pin connectors each terminating in a twisted pair connector releasablysecurable to said HD connector jack, said twisted pair connectorelectrically coupled to a pin in said HD jack constructed and arrangedso that each twisted pair connection has its own path; wherein said HDconnector jack consolidates 8 pin RJ45 interfaces into a single jack. 2.The HD data communications connection assembly according to claim 1wherein said first member or said second frame member is an HD patchpanel.
 3. The HD data communications connection assembly according toclaim 1 wherein said frame member includes LED indicator lightsoperatively associated with said HD connector jack.